[Dunkirk]

What am I missing that would cause a properly trained female pup not to be a good candidate to get along with another female? I know how females can be and I've dealt with their moody behaviors in the past. But never with 2 of them though at the same time.



If anything, the pressure for a decision is from my own mind, not someone else. I just don't want to let an opportunity pass if it's worthwhile.

For me, it's the 9 week time frame, I don't think I'd fully know/understand a dog in that time frame. You have the 2 year old needing an adjustment to new environment/settling in period.

 

[MrGSD]

Thanks again for all the replies as they give me something to think about. It's probably best at this point to go visit the dog and see what results before I make any decision. Probably the only concern that I might have after visiting, is I fall head over heels for the dog. But if anything, experience has taught me a valuable lesson that I won't ever make again...not to make a decision like this with emotions being involved.


They did send me a couple pics of the dog and I'll attach one with this post.

I seem to recall reading something here about the color marking between her toes, but can't remember what it was...anyone?

 

[MrGSD]

For me, it's the 9 week time frame, I don't think I'd fully know/understand a dog in that time frame. You have the 2 year old needing an adjustment to new environment/settling in period.

Valid point which is similar to what Jax08 was saying about not enough time to bond/know the 2 yo...I misread your 1st post by thinking you were questioning whether or not a pup could be trained to be a match for a 2nd dog.

 

[Dunkirk]

Thanks again for all the replies as they give me something to think about. It's probably best at this point to go visit the dog and see what results before I make any decision. Probably the only concern that I might have after visiting, is I fall head over heels for the dog. But if anything, experience has taught me a valuable lesson that I won't ever make again...not to make a decision like this with emotions being involved.


They did send me a couple pics of the dog and I'll attach one with this post.

I seem to recall reading something here about the color marking between her toes, but can't remember what it was...anyone?

Has she been licking her paws? Yeast infection?

https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Why-is-my-dog-licking-its-paws

 

[sebrench]

How old are they now and how old when you had to start crating/rotating?

The older one is around 4.5 and the younger one around 2.5 years. I brought home the puppy when the older dog was a little over two years. They got along until the puppy was around 8 months to a year. I keep them seperate but I don't actually use crates. One stays in the upper level of the house, and the other in the lower level. (Or one stays outside in the fenced yard and one inside). I switch them around every 2-3 hours.

 

[MrGSD]

Has she been licking her paws? Yeast infection?

https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Why-is-my-dog-licking-its-paws

No clue if she has been licking as I haven't seen her yet. The color markings I was referring to were the black marks that indicated something specific...czech, DDR or something. At least that's what I remember someone commenting about with another dog.

 

[Kazel]

I really do understand the temptation but honestly I think it would be much fairer to both dogs if you get one or the other or get a male puppy. Yes it sounds like a good idea right now but in 2 years when you're extremely attached to both dogs and they won't stop fighting so you have to crate and rotate you may regret it. I've seen far too many GSDs rehomed lately, all females, for same sex aggression. I don't think the risk is worth it and the female will still be settling in when you get the puppy. Both are going to need a lot of 1x1 time with you to get bonded, the puppy especially to make sure you avoid them getting getting attached to each other over you. I have had two females together but the GSD did show signs that she had the potential for some issues with females(together in the house living full time not just like in passing). However she is an extremely soft and submissive dog and my other female has no interest in pack dynamics and isn't another purebred GSD. If my other female had been dominant or cared about pack dynamics I think I would've had a big issue on my hands.

Can you handle two dogs? Probably but I really do want you to consider puppy fever and the this dog is just falling in to my lap and think about it. You're excited and jazzed and gettingat least one dog! But having two dogs settling into your house at the same time isn't ideal. There's a difference between I'm capable of dealing with it and it just being a high risk situation.

Also what if your puppy ends up being a bit of a high maintenance terror and the female has trouble adjusting or bad habits from the previous owner? Working on both of those at the same time isn't going to be fun on top of regular training and bonding time.

Having made kind of hasty decisions to get dogs in the past I'd recommend slowing down and really thinking. It's good your giving yourself time but you're definitely focused on the positive or it seems like it so you've either already convinced yourself or are trying to justify it.

Don't think of it as a missed opportunity. You have a puppy you've already committed to. If you really want to go through with it maybe ask the breeder if you can move your deposit to another litter or really and truly consider getting a male. These aren't little spats the ssa can result in really nasty fights where you or the dogs can get injured. Yes people on here have done it but as common as it seems to be in GSDs and in some other breeds I'd think hard on it.

 

[MrGSD]

The older one is around 4.5 and the younger one around 2.5 years. I brought home the puppy when the older dog was a little over two years. They got along until the puppy was around 8 months to a year. I keep them seperate but I don't actually use crates. One stays in the upper level of the house, and the other in the lower level. (Or one stays outside in the fenced yard and one inside). I switch them around every 2-3 hours.

Thanks...it gives me an idea of the time frame

 

[sebrench]

Have you asked your breeder for advice? An experienced breeder may know if their females are likely to have problems with other females, and if you'd be better off waiting for a male puppy.

 

[MrGSD]

I really do understand the temptation but honestly I think it would be much fairer to both dogs if you get one or the other or get a male puppy. Yes it sounds like a good idea right now but in 2 years when you're extremely attached to both dogs and they won't stop fighting so you have to crate and rotate you may regret it. I've seen far too many GSDs rehomed lately, all females, for same sex aggression. I don't think the risk is worth it and the female will still be settling in when you get the puppy. Both are going to need a lot of 1x1 time with you to get bonded, the puppy especially to make sure you avoid them getting getting attached to each other over you. I have had two females together but the GSD did show signs that she had the potential for some issues with females(together in the house living full time not just like in passing). However she is an extremely soft and submissive dog and my other female has no interest in pack dynamics and isn't another purebred GSD. If my other female had been dominant or cared about pack dynamics I think I would've had a big issue on my hands.

Can you handle two dogs? Probably but I really do want you to consider puppy fever and the this dog is just falling in to my lap and think about it. You're excited and jazzed and gettingat least one dog! But having two dogs settling into your house at the same time isn't ideal. There's a difference between I'm capable of dealing with it and it just being a high risk situation.

Also what if your puppy ends up being a bit of a high maintenance terror and the female has trouble adjusting or bad habits from the previous owner? Working on both of those at the same time isn't going to be fun on top of regular training and bonding time.

Having made kind of hasty decisions to get dogs in the past I'd recommend slowing down and really thinking. It's good your giving yourself time but you're definitely focused on the positive or it seems like it so you've either already convinced yourself or are trying to justify it.

Don't think of it as a missed opportunity. You have a puppy you've already committed to. If you really want to go through with it maybe ask the breeder if you can move your deposit to another litter or really and truly consider getting a male. These aren't little spats the ssa can result in really nasty fights where you or the dogs can get injured. Yes people on here have done it but as common as it seems to be in GSDs and in some other breeds I'd think hard on it.

The bold print along with what I underlined may just be the slap upside the head I need that I mentioned previously. There is something deep within that is driving me to think the way I am. Makes me thankful for a forum like this where I can express myself and allow others to judge my thoughts before I do something foolish.

 

[MrGSD]

Have you asked your breeder for advice? An experienced breeder may know if their females are likely to have problems with other females, and if you'd be better off waiting for a male puppy.

No, not yet. I'm sure the breeder is super busy with a couple litters due next week, so I figured I'd find out all I could before I brought it up.



And Kazel's post just may have included the words I needed to hear before I made a decision that could lead to regrets. Admittedly I'm thick headed at times, but that post may have been the turning point for me

 

[MineAreWorkingline]

Having to rehome a dog that is not working out or fitting in does not make one a statistic or a failure. It makes you a person that puts the greater needs of the dog above and beyond that of your own and that can be the ultimate kindness and the best thing you ever did for the dog.

 

[MrGSD]

As much as I want to, as much as I feel strongly that I would be successful, I've reconsidered my position and decided to pass on the 2 yo. If I had the experience of raising 2 dogs already, I'd likely take the dog. But after letting Kazel's post sink in overnight, it really made me question whether this would be in the dogs best interest or was I just hung up on wanting to satisfy my own wants and needs.

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I'm sure down the road the day will come that I do get a 2nd dog. But when that happens, I'll be sure to only consider a male. Thinking back, it's not like I was out looking for this dog. If my vet never offered this to me, I never would have had this conversation. No harm, no foul...and I'm glad it didn't go any further than this discussion.

 

[Kazel]

As much as I want to, as much as I feel strongly that I would be successful, I've reconsidered my position and decided to pass on the 2 yo. If I had the experience of raising 2 dogs already, I'd likely take the dog. But after letting Kazel's post sink in overnight, it really made me question whether this would be in the dogs best interest or was I just hung up on wanting to satisfy my own wants and needs.

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I'm sure down the road the day will come that I do get a 2nd dog. But when that happens, I'll be sure to only consider a male. Thinking back, it's not like I was out looking for this dog. If my vet never offered this to me, I never would have had this conversation. No harm, no foul...and I'm glad it didn't go any further than this discussion.

It's definitely a good conversation to have, and it's so nice having this forum here to have it! I have unfortunately in the past only had people encourage me or didn't listen to their advice when it was given so I'm really glad my experiences can help others out! It can really be tough to pass up on those cute faces, they're good at tugging at the heartstrings.

I can definitely understand the temptation and urge but now you can fully dedicate yourself to your new upcoming puppy! I currently have puppy fever but keep reminding myself it's easier at this point to only have one dog...although I will admit it's difficult to stick to it.

I'm hoping you'll be staying on here so we can see pictures of your future pup and how she is! Do you have any specific plans for her or mainly just a companion?

 

[MrGSD]

It's definitely a good conversation to have, and it's so nice having this forum here to have it! I have unfortunately in the past only had people encourage me or didn't listen to their advice when it was given so I'm really glad my experiences can help others out! It can really be tough to pass up on those cute faces, they're good at tugging at the heartstrings.

I can definitely understand the temptation and urge but now you can fully dedicate yourself to your new upcoming puppy! I currently have puppy fever but keep reminding myself it's easier at this point to only have one dog...although I will admit it's difficult to stick to it.

I'm hoping you'll be staying on here so we can see pictures of your future pup and how she is! Do you have any specific plans for her or mainly just a companion?

Again...Thanks!! Your post was what woke me up to reality.



I'll still be around, this forum contains an abundance of valuable info. Everything from A to Z regarding the GSD breed.


My new pup will be my BFF and companion just like the others before her. Watching them grow and mature from 8 weeks to adulthood is an experience that compares to nothing else. I'm fortunate to have the property where she can run to her hearts content, with minimal worries about her getting in trouble or injured. It's been a long 2 months since I lost Marley, and I still have another 2 to go. But when that day finally gets here...I'll be beyond ecstatic.

 

[Saco]

I think you made the best decision.

I do think two females can sometimes get along fine without interference, but if they don't you would possibly need to very much change your level of control in certain scenarios. Fighting tends to break out with arousal. There are certainly ways to prevent it, but it takes time and training and a few serious corrections. Heat cycles and hormones are another biggie for fight triggers. Been there, done that, hope to never do it again. People get scared or overwhelmed and crate-rotate, which is the safest/easiest solution- and I get it. But training and control can either prevent a fight from ever happening, or allow the girls to at least co-exist while you are present. But it's work and stress you simply don't need to take on voluntarily.

If you do add a second dog in future, get a male. Make life easy for all!

 

[CAKSJ78]

These forums have the best information, I have learned much, even with my fifth GSD. We had been considering adopting a rescue female, and now that has been put to rest! Such good advice given, coming from real life experiences.

 

[Sabis mom]

I'm glad you decided against it.
For what it's worth, for anyone who reads this in the future, two females together is a terrible idea unless you absolutely know your dog.

For years I was able to successfully add and subtract from my pack at will because I had a female with an incredibly stable temperament heading things up. And even at that, off the top of my head there were two females that I intended to foster that needed to be removed immediately due to fighting. And while I had the occasional squabble within my own pack NOTHING prepared me for the uncontrollable violence that two bitches can dish out. Further to that it's true that dogs learn from other dogs, just generally not the things we would like them to learn.

A two year old bitch being rehomed due to allergies screams that behavior issues exist. And there is a really good chance that she would teach those behaviors to a young and impressionable pup, which would leave you with two little hellions feeding off each others wretched behavior. Crate and rotate is a life style that most folks simply don't get, and don't want to.

 

[Saco]

Same scenario for me too Sabi. After the pack matriach died, my two bitches decided they needed to start going after it and it's been a road to reestablishing myself as alpha bitch and required learning a new way to control and manage dogs (not as easy as it used to be, far more hands on).

Life is hard enough, no need to make it harder by keeping two bitches unless you have a good reason for it. I am not rehoming anyone, so I decided to devote a LOT of time and effort to this... but it's not what I wanted, by any means. It's what I ended up with and then had to deal with...

 

[dogfaeries]

I also don’t recommend 2 bitches, even though I have a pair of them now, and have had a pair before this. Having gone through bitch fights with Dobes, I can tell you it’s not something the average pet owner needs to risk! It’s really ugly. I show, so intact girls are a thing here. I’m able to separate the girls I have now (and I do when I’m not home), so it’s doable at my house if a problem should arise. I don’t like male dogs, so it’s just something I deal with if I want more than one dog.

There’s a 6 and a half year gap between the two I have now (9 yrs and 2.5 yrs). There’s a very rare squabble over a toy, but that’s easily remedied. They get along great, and the older one puts up with all the shenanigans of the younger one, and actually seems to like her, lol.